Loons at Aurora Reservoir (including Yellow-billed Loon)

Hello cobirders,

Transcript of telephone call from Richard Stevens:

"I skipped Lamar Christmas Count today letting others conduct it.  

On my way southeast, I stopped at Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams Cty).  The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull is still there on Lake Ladora.

I also passed Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe Cty).  While scoping the lake from below the lower parking area I saw three loons.  The Pacific Loon was at the mouth of the Lonetree Cove.

A Common Loon swim south of the scuba beach.  Another loon swam below the dam at the northwest corner.  This loon swam to the scuba beach.  When it reached the Common Loon, it looked bigger.  From the lower parking area, I could pick out the larger loon near the dam tower even without binoculars.

Other birder walked from the northwest corner of the dam to the scuba beach.  When I asked, she stated the same field marks that I recorded.  Obvious pale barring on back, light brown head with much white around eye, bill held slightly upright and bill was yellow except for base of upper mandible.  It looked like the Yellow-billed Loon I found last month at Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Tens of thousands of White-cheeked Geese flew into the lake.  Relocating the loons became difficult.  When they were feeding, they stayed above the water only a few seconds and stayed below almost a minute."  The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on the shore at mile 4.5.

If this is the same Yellow-billed Loon reported both at Aurora and Cherry Creek Reservoir, where or how does it disappear for a day or two?

Good birding!

Directions to birding spots on CoBus website:

coloradobirdingsociety.net

Rebecca Kosten, Colorado Birding Society

Denver, Colorado

Contact CoBus/Report Interesting Birds: 303-324-7994

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